Behind The Scenes: The Ora House
Captivating waterfront views, striking modern design, and uncompromised luxury combine to create this brand new property, known as the Ora House. The award-winning firm, Blue Heron’s, use of natural materials and indoor-outdoor living spaces establishes a distinct bond with the oceanside environment.
Our team was given the opportunity to film this remarkable location recently with our client, The Dickinson-Clark Team, and Blue Heron. Stick around to hear about our experience in this luxurious residence & the equipment we used. Come see what is possible when world-class designers & filmmakers unleash their creativity on the scenic steps of La Jolla.
When asked his favorite part about shooting this project, Director & CEO, Ethan Lew, exclaims, “The Space! It's a Film Director's dream to work in the spaces within the Ora House. The light, the materials, and the blend of indoor to outdoor leads to some really beautiful framing opportunities”
Designed for entertaining and unmatched relaxation, the main living spaces as well as the 5 sophisticated bedrooms—stretching across 3 elevator-accessible levels—open to expansive decks and romantic balconies. Take morning swims in the infinity pool featuring unique water fountains and host elegant soireés on the rooftop.
Director, Ethan Lew, staging talent during one of the final scenes of the production on the uppermost sunset deck.
Pictured Above: Red Raptor 8K Cinema Camera strapped into the passenger seat of the production Vehicle.
Director & Fonder Ethan Lew standing with Business Partner & Producer, Max Cuenca on the ground floor of The Ora House.
Equipment is everything when trying to capture the beauty of a space like this one. Every shot counts. Our team pulled out the Red Raptor for this shoot. Lot's of dynamic range, 8k Red Raw, and phenomenal color science led us to that decision. We also used vintage Zeiss lenses - and over 7 different focal lengths too - ranging from 16mm to 135.
“I personally shot a majority of the aerial drone shots, which I captured on our DJI Air 2s. We were lucky with the lighting and had some great droning in the evening” says Producer & Part 103 FAA Certified Drone Pilot, Max Cuenca.
Choosing a favorite room, view, or shot while in this modern masterpiece isn’t easy with every sight being better than the one before it.
Lew chats about the main suite & what it took to get the best shots in this space. “The primary suite was both challenging yet extremely rewarding. I say that because there were just so many great angles - I was having a little bit of decision paralysis with the shot list. But they turned out great. When you really think about it, most people spend the majority of their time, even in 7,000+ sf home, in their bedroom.”
But when asked his favorite shot from the video overall, Ethan shared, “I'd have to say the pool scene - we actually shot this scene in tandem with my Uncle, Rick Lew, who's an unbelievable photographer. Him and I worked together to stage a really natural and fun pool scene, matching a cut of the ladies hanging in the bedroom to sitting on the lounge chairs pool side. Oh, and we put the Raptor in a Fish Tank for some underwater shots. Shout out to big Kev for hopping in!"
Cuenca’s favorite shot differed slightly, moving from the suite to the deck. “The views of the Pacific ocean are astounding. It gives you a whole other perspective of the ocean. I've lived in San Diego my whole life and this is by far one of the best spots to just sit and enjoy the sounds of the ocean.
I also very much enjoyed filming the car scene! We had a McLaren and a Rolls Royce on set; I've always been a bit of a gear-head, so getting to hop in the cars and also film them was great!”
Even with these favorites in mind, there is still so much house to spare!
This custom-furnished masterpiece is a home unlike any other — just ask anyone who has stepped foot inside.
Cuenca found this project to be extremely rewarding. “After interviewing the team behind this project, it really struck home how much time and effort goes into bringing a home like this one to life. On another note, I thoroughly enjoy working on set with the whole crew; always a good bit of fun!”
Interested in viewing the entire production? Head here to check out the entire series.
Ora House | 5228 Chelsea St
La Jolla, CA
5 BD | 5 BA | 3 Powder Rooms | 8,878 SF
$32,500,000